Feng Shui Rules

What exactly are Feng Shui rules?

The ancient art of Feng Shui can be difficult to explain to a beginner. It is a practice that is as complex as it is beneficial. In essence, Feng shui is balancing Qi (energy) both indoors and outdoors by ensuring that each of the 5 elements are represented equally. There are some general Feng Shui rules that will guide the planning and layout of any room. It is good to have an in depth understanding of Feng Shui to ensure you aren’t inadvertently adding bad energy to a room, by overlooking Feng Shui rules.

Firstly, we will look at Qi and why we are trying to increase it’s flow in an environment. We will then look at the importance of Yin & Yang and the importance balance has in all areas of life. Then we will move onto the Bagua, how it is used as a tool in Feng Shui and what it represents. Lastly, we will look at 10 general Feng Shui Rules that will get you off to a great start when considering the new layouts of a room.

Qi

Qi, pronounces as “chi”, can be a difficult word to translate and interpret. In it’s most literal sense, the word Qi translates to ‘Air’ however it is understood to represent ‘energy’. In traditional Feng Shui, Qi related to an understanding of local environments, the orientation of buildings and the interaction between structure and natural formations. The instrument used in Feng Shui to measure Qi is the ‘Luopan’.

To delve a little deeper, Qi is not only used in Feng Shui, but a number of different ancient traditions. Qi is not only taken as meaning energy but ‘life energy’. The energy that keeps us all alive and is found in everything. Qi plays an important role in Reiki, Acupuncture. Qigong, Martial Arts and much more. Qi is in a state of continuous transition, transforming endlessly from one aspect of energy into another. It can neither be created or destroyed. It simply is and continuously changes itself to suit a present climate.

Yin & Yang

Yin & Yang is a theory of polarity. It is expressed in Feng Shui rules, but will also be an aspect whenever we refer to Qi. Yin & Yang can be compared to a bipolar magnetic field; two forces working at opposite ends, one pulling and one pushing. Yang is the force that acts and Yin is the force that receives, This interaction is seen across all aspects of life and is why we must struggle to keep all elements in balance so that Yin & Yang continue to work in harmony.

The Yin Yang Theory and its balance, is also connected to the Five Element Theory. These five elements in Feng Shui rules are water, wood, fire, earth or soil, and metal. These elements are composed of yin and yang in exact amounts and represent several other elements within Feng Shui. The interaction between the two forces is the foundation of the practice of feng shui and how it achieves balance.

The below graphic shows the 5 elements and the symbols and sure they represent.

–

–

Bagua

Ba Gua, is also known as Ba Gua Zhang, is one of the three major “internal” Chinese martial arts, along with Tai Chi and Xing Yi. It is said that out of the three, Ba Gua is the most powerful as it is the most flexible and dynamic. Ba Gua is based on the theory that everything continually changes in response to a situation.

The words Ba Gua means “eight trigrams”, a reference to I Ching, the symbols of the ancient Chinese text of divination. The eight trigrams are arranged in a circle around the Dao (Ying-Yan) symbol. The concept of Ba Gua is used in martial arts, Daoism, feng shui, navigation, and predicting the future. The I Ching is one of the treasures of Chinese culture.

The word Zhang means palm, and refers to the fact that this martial art emphasizes the use of the open hand, rather than a closed fist.

The Bagua in Feng Shui is one of the main tools used in determining the energy of a room. In modern Feng Shui rules, the Bagua has been adapted to use 9 Grids, each representing different elements within a room. Here’s an example of a Bagua:

–

–

The Above are the general principle and rules that govern the Feng Shui discipline. Qi is energy, Yin & Yang are opposites working together in harmony, Bagua is adaptability to constant change. These three elements are the back bones of Feng Shui rules and the 5 elements allow us to shape and control the energy contained within a room.

Below are 8 General Feng Shui Rules when considering the layout of a room:

Less is more – Get rid of clutter! Everything should have a purpose and function within a room. Keep the room and objects tidy to create a calming effect on the mind.

Choose color Wisely –Each of the five elements has a color associated with it. It is important to have balance represented in each room. For example, a bathroom represents the water element. To balance this energy we would consider using color attributed to another element. Too much of one element will create an imbalance.

Water is good! – Flowing water stimulates imagination and creativity. Water is an ancient symbol for abundance and prosperity and doesn’t have to be consigned to the bathroom. To incorporate into other rooms, consider the use of fish tanks or water features.

Keep Air Circulated & Fresh! – Stuffy and stale air is bad for you on lots of different levels. Air rooms during the day by opening windows. Invest in air purifiers if the air still seems stuffy.

Where are your plants? –Plants have a calming & peaceful influence within a room, while radiating a strong and positive energy. Plants are also excellent air purifiers and help keep a rooms air fresh and pure.

Mirrors add space –Mirrors give the illusion of extra space, and are great in offices or hallways. They also increase light!

Bedrooms are key! – You will spend more time in your bedroom that any other room in the house! It’s essential to recognise bedroom feng shui rules such as having your bed in a ‘command position’, having a solid headboard against the wall etc.

Minimalist living rooms – Your living room is for relaxing after a hard day, so maintain an unobstructed flow of energy. Arrange furniture accordingly and get rid of clutter! Remember, if it doesn’t add to the relaxation then it doesn’t belong there!

This article should give you a much better understanding of Feng Shui Rules. There will always be a huge amount of placement tips by room, but if you keep the three general principles of Qi, Bagua & Yin & Yang, you will be able to avoid an imbalance of energy.

Useful Pages

This website uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you relevant advertising. To find out more, read our updated privacy policy. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our terms. Accept